Are there ways to help one stay young? Ancient mythology credited food as one of the keys to anti-ageing. Greek gods consumed ambrosia, a food which conferred immortality.

Youthfulness comes from good health and physical attractiveness. Hence, delaying ageing also means deferring degenerative diseases and ensuring effective functioning of all body systems. Instead of anti-ageing or preventive ageing, one should aim for healthy-ageing or living longer and healthier.

Says Raksha Changappa, principal consultant, Nutrewise, Bangalore, “The mantra for healthy-ageing is called the defensive nutrition paradigm. This stresses on making food choices that maintain a healthy level of body fat and weight, maximise support for organ systems and prevent chronic diseases. This paradigm, coupled with regular physical activity, is the 21st century ambrosia.”

She states, “Have foods rich in phytonutrients, omega-3-fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, fibre and probiotics. Also, legumes, lean meats, low-fat dairy and fermented foods.”

As Sadguru Yogiraj Sri Sri Mangeshda says, “Today, science has proved that an individual, by practising certain scientific methods like kriya yoga, can arrest decay in the body.”

Dr Jamuna Pai, Mumbai-based cosmetic physician, recommends at least 10 minutes of exercise daily, keeping busy, thinking positive and a good night’s sleep.“Sleep on your back to avoid wrinkles,” she says, “Abandon sugar. Substitute coffee with green tea, drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day and stop smoking.”

Can ageing be slowed down? Ayurveda helps. Maintains Dr Rajeev Warrior, director, AVN Arogya Spa & Clinic, Mumbai, “Excessive or under-utilisation of the senses and of the body, unwholesome diet and lack of mental peace accelerate ageing. Periodic detoxification (panchakarma), natural supplements (rasayanams) and anti-degenerative therapeutic procedures retard ageing.”

Dr Pai explains, “Apples, strawberries, grapes and raspberries have anti-ageing properties. Both bell and chilli peppers contain antioxidants and have much Vitamin C. Have a handful of nuts everyday. Sprouts are a great source of protein and Vitamin C. The healthy bacteria in yoghurt aids immune function and its calcium content helps burn fat.”

Adds Prue Rajan, cosmetologist and hair stylist, “Squalene, found in olive oil, is rich in Vitamin A and C. Vitamin A weakens age spots and reduces environmental damage. Vitamin C protects skin from sun, pollution and water.” With the right focus, you can feel young forever!

Age gracefully

- Fashionably young: Fashionistas are often seen dictating what is and isn’t in for the ageing generation. Many say that anything below the knee is not meant for women above 40 and how cut sleeves should be avoided. Says fashion designer Sunita Chauhan, “Older women should not have a streak of rebellion in their fashion sense. They can show their sensuality with luxe fabrics (silk, cashmere) and rich colours (wine, chocolate, plum, champagne). They should not go for overdone or fussy styles.” Designer Payal Jain warns, “Make your own fashion statement and don’t go overboard with excess sequined work or patterned jeans.” Once in a while, flaunt your ‘greys’ happily, maybe with a new hairstyle.

- Keep a social diary: Don’t live life in isolation. “Having an active social life is a sure shot way to combat stress,” advises psychologist Varsha Pathak. Maintaining a diary can be an interesting activity. Someday, just pick it up and flip through old pages.

- Connect to your higher energy: Learn to connect with yourself and your higher energy. Says psychologist Seema Hingorrany, “It’s important to connect to positive energies around you. Listen to the Gayatri Mantra or music of your choice, which can have a calming effect.”

- Take a break: Go on a long exotic vacation with people you love or simply revisit places that hold good memories; relax and get suntanned.

- Ageing is sexy: Someone rightly said ‘if you feel old, you will look old’, so live it up with style. As 50-something theatre personality Lushin Dubey puts it, “I feel sexy even today. The word ‘sexy’ has different connotations. For me, my old age charm is my sex appeal. I view myself as someone with spunk, lots of energy and internal joy.”